"All you need is a passion for science"

[scheming daemons]

STUDENTS ON SOUTH LAWN: On a brisk 54 degree evening, under a cloudless sky and with the lights on the South Lawn turned off, about 150 middle school students and teachers joined White House staffers at the Diplomatic entrance for the first-ever White House star gazing gathering.

More from the pool report by Dave Cook of the Christian Science Monitor:

Behind the crowd and to the right on the lawn were two large white inflatable domes each marked with a NASA insignia. Also spread around the lawn were 20 telescopes. The dome nearest the pool had a sign that said “snacks” in front.

At 8:03 former astronauts Sally Ride and Buzz Aldrin exited the White House to applause. At 8:07 POTUS and FLOTUS emerged. POTUS was in a black windbreaker and grey sweater. FLOTUS was in a blue top and tan pants.

“Welcome to all the students and teachers and amateur astronomers” POTUS said. He said there are “a few other stars out tonight” and then introduced Science Advisor John Holdren, Aldrin, Ride, and Mae Jemison, the first African American astronaut.

Standing with POTUS and FLOTUS were two students. POTUS said that one of the students had discovered a supernova when she was only 14, and the other had found a pulsar when he was a high school sophomore.

“If they can discover something great, so can any of you other students here tonight. All you need is a passion for science,” POTUS said.

“There are a lot of mysteries left and a lot of problems for you students to solve,” POTUS said.“That is why we are working to reinvigorate math and science in schools,” he said.

After speaking for 8 minutes, Obama moved to the 8-inch telescope which had been set up next to the podium as Holdren instructed him in its use. Holdren said it was focused on the double double star in the constellation Lyra, some 160 light years away.

POTUS and FLOTUS then stood for several minutes chatting with Holdren and White House Social Secretary Desiree Rogers. POTUS eventually went back into the residence and emerged with Sasha and Malia. Sasha was in a plaid top and red pants and sneakers, Malia in sweater, black vest and jeans. As soon as the girls arrived, POTUS walked with Sasha and FLOTUS walked with Malia through the crowd of students to the first inflatable dome.

http://www.politico.com/politico44/


The difference between this President and the last one is striking.


Please take a moment from all your bitching and moaning about Obama to at least attempt to recognize the profound positive change that has already occurred. The change in tone matters!

[GreenPartyVoter]

1. I have found getting my kids into science fiction shows, as well as instructive ones,

have really boosted their interest in science at school. In several cases they have come home saying they already know what they are learning just now, and have known it for several years. :)

[BlooInBloo]

2. Yep. All that's needed is the desire. Pretty much anyone *can* do the stuff.

EDIT: Assuming a sufficiently felicitous external environment, of course.

[CoffeeCat]

3. This really is profound and symbolic...

My husband and I had a lengthy discussion during the Bush Administration about the lack
of interest in science and the absence of intellectual curiosity. We both remarked that
Bush encouraged people to be closed minded and to turn inward--focusing only on their
rigid beliefs. Bush seemed to be shut off to science, discovery, creativity and learning
new things. He was totally pulled inward.

That attitude stifles invention, discovery and our social evolution. If we are bored with
learning and if we think we know EVERYTHING--innovation and enlightenment are halted.

What Obama is doing is symbolic of his nature. He's curious. He understands and appreciates
that we're a "pale, blue dot." He's a true intellectual who is not afraid to learn new
information and appreciate the world around him.

I like it...

[scheming daemons]

4. People are underestimating the power of this

[Heidi]

5. Kick.

Recommended.

:kick: